Pages

IRISH FASHAHOLIC

06/11/2014

After a baby? Style yourself for under €50

Published in the Cork Independent newspaper 06.11.14

After giving birth to my baby girl, Erin, four months ago, I
threw all my plans to hit the gym out the window and lounged around in comfy,
non glamorous clothes for the first twelve weeks basking in motherhood and
maternity leave. Once I took onboard the great advice of family and friends to
not fret about housework and my post baby figure and focus on the important
things like resting and getting used to our new little baby, I relaxed into
things but I certainly lost my fashion mojo for a few months.

Four months on, I have just joined Educo gym, have switched
my sugar addict diet to a clean diet and in feeling better on the inside, I am
ready to update my wardrobe to glam myself up on the outside, just in time for
the start of the crazy pre-Christmas party season.

Here are some of my favourite looks from the High Street
this month – all pieces are under €50 so won’t break the bank.

Tunics are a
great investment as they don’t hug the body too tight. These are ideal for
Christmas party season. Don’t be afraid to go up a size to look slimmer until
your pre baby figure is back.

Black tunic with trim detail €59.99, New Look

I have gone from a dress size 10/12 pre baby to a size 14 after the birth, so my favourite look this season are boxy tops and jumpers over skirts. The tops aren’t figure hugging and sit out over skirts as
opposed to tucking them in as was the look for many seasons. This more relaxed
look paired with tights and ankle boots is a great, comfortable, on trend and
hides my tummy lumps and bumps perfectly.

Boxy, sequin T, New Look €44.99 over a black satin playsuit €44.99

Brushed check jumper €15 and matching skirt €12, Penneys

I adore the chic flat loafers as seen
in New York Fashion Week this September at Victoria Beckham, so I choose these
gorgeous silver flat loafers available from Next as an affordable high street
alternative. Wear these with tights and shift dresses for a preppy look, jeans
and a blazer for an off-duty smart casual look or with cigarette trousers and
an oversized knit to stay current.

Loafers €37.00, Next
My favourite item in my wardrobe at present is the attached blue dress from Verso at Penrose Wharf that I wore last weekend while out Jazzing. The dress is a tunic style, loose fitting with cut-outs on the sleeve. It covers all my wobbly post-baby bits and I teamed it with tights and boots to keep it seasonal and comfy.

·Do go easy on yourself and allow yourself days
with your new baby where you won’t get out of your PJ’s. You have gone through
a major life event and it’s ok to relax at home with no makeup and forget about
style. It will make your first night out all that more special when you do feel
ready to dress up and face the world again

.

·Do hold onto those comfy maternity jeans with
the over-the-bump baby band as these will come in handy in the early weeks post
baby if you have any healing scars. Tight clothing won’t be comfortable and
your body won’t snap back into shape overnight. Don’t be afraid to choose
comfort over size wishes in the beginning.

·Do invest in lots of comfy underwear. There are
some beautiful ranges of cleverly made maternity underwear available so you
don’t have to feel frumpy or old fashioned. These bigger sizes are only temporary
remember!

·Do bin or box away the really big maternity
dresses and trousers you wore towards the end. It was hard enough carrying
around a human in your tummy, you don’t want any reminders of those last few
weeks plodding around feeling like a beached whale. Pack them away for the next
baby or give away to expecting friends.

·Do pick up one or two bargain high street bright
new pieces to cheer up your wardrobe and brighten you up. A quick splurge in
Penneys will not only get you out of the house with the buggy but will allow
you to pick up one or two nice bright new additions to make you feel bright
about yourself when you begin to venture out again.

Don'ts:

·Don’t splurge on a whole new wardrobe right
after having your baby. The body you have now will not be the same body you
will have a few months down the line so keep any major purchases until your
hormones and metabolism settle. Remember: 9 months up and 9 months down – if
maybe more sometimes. So don’t be in a rush to overhaul your wardrobe until you
are a good few months in.

·Don’t allow changing hormones and sleepless
nights let you get down about your new body shape. It’s all temporary and part
of the magical journey to bring your baby into the World. Stay away from tight fitting clothing if you
have areas you aren’t happy about after the baby. Comfort is key while you’re
focusing on your little newborn.

·Don’t dwell too much on how nothing seems to fit
you anymore. Again, it’s all temporary. Book a session with a stylist for some
professional advice.

·The final thing I made sure to not do, was to not
allow myself buy any magazines on the shelf that had pictures of celebrity
diets or celebrity bikini pictures on the front. Unrealistic body images and
craze diets were not the road I wanted to go down and pictures of celebrities
sculpted by cosmetic surgery was not going to make me feel any better. When I
was good and ready to eat healthily and exercise again I would do so the old
fashioned way. My new fitness regime started this week. I have begun a 12 day
programme at Educo gym so wish me luck on my journey back into my size 12 jeans
again. Best of luck to all fellow new Mums out there. The best thing you can
wear this season is your beautiful baby! E xo

No comments:

Post a Comment

I have worked in the Irish Fashion Industry for 19 years as a Model, Retail Manager and Buyer and now I am a Model Agency Director, co-owner of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cork, co-owner of Lockdown Events & Model Management with my bestie Viv, Social Media and Digital Fashion PR Consultant and event MC. My biggest achievement is becoming a Mother to Baby Erin. In January 2016 Viv & I were received at a special reception at City Hall by the Lord Mayor for our contribution the local fashion industry through our Fashion Week. Finalist for Kerry Fashion Week 'Irish Fashion Blog of the Year' on March 5th. Frockadvisor Fashion Crusader for FIDay 2016 and guest speaker at the Irish Blogger Conference April 2016. xo